Archive for November, 2013

Partial transcription of Bradford’s letter:Camp near Chattanooga Ten Nov 30th
darling this is winter indeed[.] I never suffered so much with the cold in Minn. sitting by the fire and writing darling […] we went the next night at 12 oclock[.] we crosed in boats[.] it was the prettiest sight I ever saw[.] thare wase over one hundred boats from 20 to 30 men in each one[.] we had good luck in crossing[.] our Brigade was in advance of our Divis. our Regt skirmished for our Brigade[.] I dont know wether we will [be] noticed by the papers or not [,] we deserved it[.] we advanced from the river to Mission Ridge[.] it rained all day and was very cold[.] I opend the Ball by taken one prisiner by the name of William C. Bradford[.] the Col complemented me very highly for bravery and good judgment[.] that has never been done before in our Regt[.] the Capt says that winer a sargeants bearth as soon as thare is a vacancy[.] I did not do it for promotion I did it for the funn of it[.]
[…]

Partial transcription of Buckman’s journal entry:30th Nov 1863. 4 p.m.
In skirmish line, 300 yds from Rebel fortifications. Left camp at three. very cold. Followed the plank road for a couple of miles as far as the 1st Division went yesterday. leaving the road, turned to the left and formed in line of battle, the 1st Minn. being put out as flankers. It was intended that the attack should commence at 8, but daylight revealed an entrenched position which in the opinion of the men as well as the officers, could not be taken by assault. But the order had been issued and it must be obeyed, though all felt that few if any would be able to reach the works alive. An open field had to be crossed which could be swept by grape and canister, besides musketry fire from the breast-works. […]
Gloomily the hours passed. Death looked us in the face. The faces of the men told too clearly the danger to be incurred but they were resolute, determined to do their duty, though it was plain that when “forward” was the word, they would walk out to certain death. In silence we waited orders – Dreadful suspense! But time passed and no orders – noon – and we are still ready and waiting. Night came and the attack was not made, a wise conclusion in Gen’l Meade, and we felt relieved. […]
Well the day has gone, it’s events will long be remembered by me.

(Note: The comments section has been temporarily disabled while we upgrade the website. You can always leave comments on our Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/minnesotahistoricalsociety/)

(Note: The comments section has been temporarily disabled while we upgrade the website. You can always leave comments on our Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/minnesotahistoricalsociety/)

Partial transcription of Buckman’s journal entry:In line of battle in Orange […] Road Va. 28th Nov 1863.
Reville sounded at 3 oclock in the morning of the 26th. On going out I found it to be a bright moonlight morning, clear and frosty. By daybreak we commenced moving in the direction of Germania Ford on the Rapidan River. […] while the column was resting, I had a fair opportunity of seeing Gen’l Meade, who stood walking to and fro under a large Oak by the side of the road, his mind evidently engrossedin the movement of his army. Success and failure, I have no doubt, alternately occupied his thoughts. Who can tell what great responsibility rests upon him! […]
During the remainder of the day was sharp skirmishing. The Lt Col of the 72 Pa was killed, and the Col (Joslyn) of the 15 Mass wounded and taken prisoner. [...]

(Note: The comments section has been temporarily disabled while we upgrade the website. You can always leave comments on our Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/minnesotahistoricalsociety/)

Cotton T-shirt representing the Cheese Rustlers Cooperative, a Minneapolis, Minnesota feminist organization and food co-op. The T-shirt features a white silk-screened image of a woman dressed in western wear lassoing a winged wedge of Swiss cheese. Made in the early 1980s.

(Note: The comments section has been temporarily disabled while we upgrade the website. You can always leave comments on our Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/minnesotahistoricalsociety/)

(Note: The comments section has been temporarily disabled while we upgrade the website. You can always leave comments on our Flickr Photostream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/minnesotahistoricalsociety/)